1. Timekeeping and Labor Distribution:
Accurate and reliable timekeeping records are crucial for tracking labor hours and distributing costs appropriately across projects.
2. Labor Cost Accumulation:
Contractors must maintain a system that accumulates labor costs, ensuring accurate assignment and allocation of costs to specific contracts or projects.
3. Direct and Indirect Cost Segregation:
It is vital to distinguish between direct costs (e.g., labor and materials directly associated with a contract) and indirect costs (e.g., overhead expenses), segregating them accordingly.
4. Cost Estimating System:
Contractors need to establish a reliable cost-estimating system that provides accurate and supportable estimates for proposed contracts.
5. Billing and Invoicing:
Proper billing and invoicing practices involve preparing invoices based on approved rates and contract terms and submitting them promptly.
6. Accounting System:
Maintaining a compliant accounting system ensures that financial records accurately reflect the company's financial position and facilitate auditability.
7. Procurement and Subcontracting:
Contractors must establish processes to ensure proper procurement procedures, maintain documentation, and monitor subcontractor performance.
8. Material Management and Inventory Control:
Effective control over materials and inventory is essential, including accurate tracking, appropriate storage, and inventory valuation.
9. Adequate Financial Records:
Maintaining comprehensive financial records that comply with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and government regulations is crucial.
10. Segregation of Unallowable Costs:
Contractors need to identify and segregate costs that are deemed unallowable according to government regulations, ensuring they are not billed to government contracts.